Friday, July 6

What Timothy has to say

About a good woman....

1 Timothy 5 read from the New Living Translation was meant to tell the church how to discern between which kind of widows to support and honour. It gives us insight into what to aim for as Christian women.

"has placed her hope in God."

I feel very blessed to be married to a great guy. He's incredible. Literally.
But because he is so dependable, reliable, protective, and loving, I have to be careful not to put all my hope and trust and dependence in him. This is an area God worked through in my heart last fall. It was becoming too easy for me to put all my trust in Sean and depend on him (a wife should definitely be able to trust in her husband) but to the point of trusting in Sean instead of God.

"asks God for help and spends much time in prayer"

I taught a small women's Bible study once and used the example of daily prayer being like breathing: in and out throughout the day, in every situation, with every occurrence, keeping a running dialogue with the Lord.

"faithful to her husband..."

Do we keeping our marriage vows? Do we let ourselves wonder what it would be like to be married to so and so? Is the word divorce always in the back of our minds "just in case"? Do we truly love our husbands, putting him first in every area, putting his needs first, even before the children? Do we view life with intent to build up our husbands and support his ideas and vision for the family or push our own agenda on him? Are we faithful in support? Faithful in love? faithful in encouraging?

"well respected by everyone"

The book of Proverbs mentions the importance of reputation several times and even instructs us on how to have good one:Proverbs 3:1-61 My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart, 2 for they will give you a long and satisfying life. 3 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace; write them deep within your heart. 4 Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation. 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

"because of the good she has done"

What good are we doing on the Lord's behalf? Are we kind, patient, gentle in speech, forgiving? Are we helpful, selfless, and hospitable? Every one is known by what they do. Are we known for being argumentative, disagreeable, and contentious?

"brought up her children well"

Obviously I'm still in this... A great quote comes to mind. "Choosing to do the harder good over the easier evil." There are always new parenting techniques and methods of raising a child. There always will be. This is a great quote to run the current child rearing trends against.

"Has she been kind to strangers?"

Do I roll my eyes at the the undisciplined children in line in front of me? Give a dirty look to the man who cuts me off while driving?

"Has she served other Christians humbly?"

The Strongs interpretation of this is to get down and wash feet. Sounds unpleasant enough now, but how much more when folks wore sandals all the time and walked on unpaved roads with dung around from animals. Have I served without looking for approval or reward? Is my heart in the right place, my attitude adjusted to be one of service with a genuine smile? Do I serve the friendly Christians as well as the ones so difficult to get along with?

"Has she helped those who are in trouble?"

As Christians, we have the best help to offer those in trouble - hope. Practical help is so important too. Do we share the resources we have available - money, time, home, and prayers?

"Has she always been ready to do good?"

Do I resist the urge to hurt those who hurt me, even to the point of doing good to them? Forgo revenge and pursue forgiveness? Am I ready to be helpful when I'm having a bad day, am tired, stressed, and would rather keep to myself?
I encourage you to join me in thinking on these things this Sabbath. The Bible encourages us to examine our hearts as God continually examines our hearts and minds.